The Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Caseworker Assistant.

This title has been approved by the New York Civil Service Commission for inclusion in the Non-Competitive class under the New York Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This is a paraprofessional position which involves the performance of supportive service functions associated with the implementation, maintenance, and delivery of departmental programs. Work is carried out in accordance with established guidelines. The purpose of the class is to relieve the professional staff of more routine duties. The incumbent of this position receives direct supervision from a higher-level professional with some leeway for independent judgment in routine matters. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Maintains contact with clients and assists in providing counseling and/or paraprofessional services to assist clients enrolled in or engaged with departmental services;
• Provide Caseworkers and other professional staff with information gathered during visits with clients;
• Interviews clients and their families to gather information, making home and/or office visits when necessary;
• Assists in studying background of referred children, securing information from multiple sources;
• Identifies client needs and makes referrals, advising clients of available services and related requirements;
• Arranges for foster home or residential placement services;
• Assists agency staff to streamline the application process;
• Assists staff with the inputting and /or encoding of computer data;
• Reviews WMS data and authorizes limited services;
• May issue required decision notices for emergency assistance or immediate needs determination;
• May attend, appear at, or testify during legal proceedings.
• Provides or facilitates transportation of clients and family members to and from a variety of appointments, programs and/or services;
• Prepares progress reports and summaries;
• Assists in development and coordination of department specific programing and/or plans;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either

a) Associates Degree and one (1) year experience which shall have involved substantial client contact in a Social Service, Mental Health or related agency; or

b) Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma, and three (3) years experience which shall have involved substantial client contact in a Social Service, Mental Health or related agency; or

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as described in (a) and (b) above.

SUBSTITUTION NOTE: A Bachelor’s Degree may be substituted for the minimum qualifications as described above.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid, unrestricted, appropriate level driver’s license, and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Candidates must be fingerprinted and pass a drug screening prior to employment.

SCHEDULE: Full-time, Monday – Friday

STARTING ANNUAL SALARY: $55,349 (2026)

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, comp)
• NYS Retirement System Membership
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
• Tuition Reimbursement
• CSEA Membership

PUTNAM COUNTY – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER